Audatex UK believes AudaEnterprise, its latest insurance claims, estimating and body repair electronic link, sets a new standard in the way it enables several people within a company to view and share the data. Insurance companies and repairers will be able to cut maintenance and storage costs, because the data will be held by Audatex at twin high-security sites in Hounslow, west London, and Switzerland, and accessed via a permanent live link.

The multi-tier system can be installed at several group bodyshops, associated franchised dealerships and other authorised sites. AudaEnterprise, developed over two years at a cost of £3m, is due to be ready by September, eventually replacing AudaWorkstation, which will be phased out in September 2006. Repairers wanting to remain with an AudaEnterprise-linked insurer will have to invest in the new system.

Prices have not yet been announced but Audatex believes it will work out cheaper than AudaWorkstation for most users. Mark Stamp, Audatex UK head of product development, says: “AudaEnterprise will encourage expansion because extra sets can easily be added, whereas the current product is limited to a network of around 10. There are more than 2,700 AudaWorkstation terminals in the UK, and we have 60% of the market.” The first phase of AudaEnterprise, which uses an Oracle database, has been piloted by three companies, including Hastings Direct, the south coast insurance provider. Allianz Cornhill is starting evaluation this month.